It’s National Blueberry Month: Four Powerful Health Benefits of Blueberries
Observed annually during the entire month of July, National Blueberry Month was first established in 2003 by the United States Department of Agriculture. Blueberries are sweet, nutritious, and packed with vitamins. They’ve been labeled as a superfood, meaning they are nutritionally dense and great for one’s health. They make a great snack on their own or can enhance a bland bowl of oatmeal or yogurt.
Whether you purchase a pint at your local farmer’s market this month or stock up on blueberries from your local grocer, be sure to take advantage of this tiny blue fruit while it’s in the prime of its season. Here are four powerful health benefits of blueberries.
Blueberries are Extremely High in Nutrients
Although blueberries are relatively small, they are packed with nutrients. Just half a cup of blueberries contains a quarter of the daily recommended value for vitamin C and approximately three grams of dietary fiber. They also contain mostly water and can help fill you up quickly. They are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for older adults who are trying to lose weight.
Blueberries Help Maintain Brain Function
In addition to being packed with nutrients, blueberries are also high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the cells in your body against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that play a role in the aging process and disease formation. Antioxidants also help to improve memory and prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Eating blueberries can lower your risk of dementia, prevent memory loss related to advanced age, and even reduce the effects of an older adult living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Blueberries May Lower Risk for Heart Disease
High levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and high blood pressure increase one’s risk for developing heart disease. Fortunately, blueberries can help lower the risk for heart disease. One study found that obese men and women who consumed two ounces of blueberries a day lowered LDL oxidation by 27 percent over eight weeks. This same study also noted a reduction in blood pressure in participants by 4-6 percent.
Blueberries Help Manage Diabetes
Consuming blueberries may help your body process glucose more efficiently, thus helping to improve insulin sensitivity. According to a study published by The Journal of Nutrition, adults with pre-diabetes saw improved insulin sensitivity after consuming two blueberry smoothies a day. Including blueberries in the diet of a person with diabetes appears to help them manage glucose levels and how their body responds to insulin. In addition to making the body more responsive to insulin, blueberries help with weight loss, which can also help people with diabetes manage type 2 diabetes.
Whether you need assistance navigating your local farmer’s market to pick up a pint of fresh blueberries or just need more help at home, look no further than Visiting Angels Sarasota. We are a licensed Nurse Registry and help arrange a self-directed model of Senior Home Care. We can refer experienced caregivers who can provide one-on-one non-medical care and assistance to older adults who wish to remain in their own homes. You remain in charge of your schedule and the services you prefer. To learn more about us, please get in touch with us today by calling 941-952-5800.